GREEN BAY – Aaron Rodgers is rooting for the University of Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl, and the Green Bay Packers quarterback even has a suggestion for a possible replacement for departing head coach Bret Bielema.

“By the way, let’s mention Wisconsin football going to the Rose Bowl. Rooting for them – they’re playing against Stanford,’” Rodgers interjected as he discussed friend and ex-teammate Mark Tauscher’s work on the Badgers’ radio broadcasts. “Let’s go Badgers! C’mon. Big win against Nebraska, 70-31.”

Later, when Bielema’s departure hit social media and news outlets, Rodgers took the opportunity to champion his old coach at California-Berkeley, Jeff Tedford. Cal fired Tedford last month.

“Just throwing it out there,” Rodgers said with a chuckle. “I only know (avid UW supporter and ESPN golf analyst) Andy North down there. I am not very connected. I know Mark Tauscher and Andy North, two good guys to know, and Bo Ryan.”

The Packers have two ex-Arkansas players on their roster in long-snapper Brett Goode and tight end D.J. Williams.

“I am as shocked as you are, I can’t believe it,” Rodgers said of Bielema’s departure. “All I can say is it must have been a great deal of money to lure him out of that.”